The Complete Georgia DDS Document Checklist (for a Secure ID)

One of the most common and frustrating experiences at a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) Customer Service Center is waiting for your turn only to be sent away because of a missing or incorrect document. A failed trip wastes your time and delays your goal of getting on the road. The single best way to ensure a successful, one-visit appointment is to arrive fully prepared with all your paperwork in order.

This definitive checklist will ensure you have every document you need. We will focus on the requirements for obtaining a Secure ID, which is Georgia's version of the federally compliant REAL ID.

Why Get a Secure ID?

A Secure ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets the enhanced security standards set by the federal government. You can identify it by the gold or black star in the upper-right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Secure ID or another federally approved document (like a U.S. passport) to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities.

Because it is a federal credential, the document requirements are very strict. All documents must be original or certified copies. The DDS will not accept photocopies or expired documents.

The Core Document Categories for a Georgia Secure ID

To get your Secure ID license or permit, you must provide documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Georgia residency. [4]

1. Proof of Identity (Bring ONE)

This is your primary identity document. It must be an original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

Original or certified U.S. birth certificate (from a state vital statistics office; not a hospital certificate).
Valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship.
Valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card.
Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and I-94 form.

You must provide a document that shows your full, correct Social Security number (SSN).

Original Social Security card.
W-2 form from the current or previous year.
1099 form from the current or previous year.
Paystub from an employer showing your full name and full SSN.
If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must provide an official ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration.

3. Proof of Georgia Residency (Bring TWO)

You must present two separate documents from two different sources to prove you live in Georgia. The documents must show your name and your current physical address. P.O. boxes are not acceptable. [4]

Utility bill (gas, electric, water, cell phone, internet, cable) dated within the last two years.
Bank statement or credit card statement dated within the last two years.
Current lease or rental agreement.
Georgia motor vehicle registration or insurance card.
Mail from a federal, state, or local government agency (e.g., IRS, Social Security, voter registration).
Employer verification, including a paystub or letter on company letterhead.
School records or transcript for the current or prior year.

Important: Both documents must come from different companies/sources. For example, your electric bill and your cable bill are acceptable if they are from two different providers.

What If Your Name is Different?

If your current legal name does not match the name on your primary identity document (like your birth certificate), you must provide legal proof of the name change. You must show the entire paper trail linking the names from birth.

Original or certified marriage certificate(s).
Divorce decree that specifies the name change.
Court-ordered name change or adoption document.

If your name has changed multiple times (e.g., marriage, divorce, another marriage), you must bring the certified document for each and every change.

Additional Forms for Minors (Under 18)

Georgia Certificate of School Enrollment (Form DS-1): Must be signed by your school and dated within the last 30 days.
ADAP/eADAP Certificate: Certificate of completion for the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program.
Parental Consent: A parent, guardian, or responsible adult must be present to sign the application.

Final Pre-Appointment Checklist

Before you head to your DDS appointment, organize your documents in a folder and run through this final check:

[ ] Proof of Identity: Do you have ONE original or certified document?
[ ] Proof of SSN: Do you have ONE original document showing your full SSN?
[ ] Proof of Residency: Do you have TWO different documents with your address?
[ ] Name Change Documents? (If applicable, are they certified originals showing the full chain of changes?)
[ ] Minor Forms? (DS-1, ADAP Certificate, and a parent/guardian present)
[ ] Payment: Do you have an accepted form of payment (cash, check, card) for the fees?

Taking 20 minutes to gather and double-check these documents is the best guarantee for a fast, successful, and stress-free trip to the Georgia DDS.